2nd April 2008
Thamesport (London) welcomed the inaugural call of the largest vessel operated by UASC on 27th March 2008. The 306m-long, 6,900-TEU 'Hatta' is currently deployed on UASC’s ‘AEC 1’ Asia-Europe service, which calls at Thamesport on a weekly basis.
Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns Thamesport (London), commented:
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to handle the 'Hatta' at Thamesport on its maiden call to the UK. The arrival of this vessel demonstrates to the industry that UASC is seeking to develop its services with the procurement of new and larger container ships.”
The vessel’s inaugural visit was commemorated with a function attended by a group of customers and officials, including Bjarne Ehlig-Jensen, Vice-President of UASC (Europe). A presentation was made to the Ship’s Master, which was followed by a tour of the new vessel and a celebratory lunch.
The 'Hatta' is one of eight newbuilds for UASC, and heralds a new generation of high-speed, fuel efficient ships. The eight vessels represent an estimated investment of $850 million by UASC.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
For further information, or a PHOTOGRAPH, please contact Rachael Jackson, Public Relations Manager, on Tel. No: +44 (0)1394 604167, Fax No: +44 (0)1394 604943 or E-mail: jacksonr@hpuk.co.uk www.thamesport.co.uk
Thamesport (TMP) is located in the heart of South East England, 10 miles from the M2 motorway, 35 miles from London. It is one of the UK’s busiest container ports.
TMP is a member of the Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Group, a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL). HPH is the world's leading port investor, developer and operator, with interests in a total of 292 berths in 47 ports, spanning 24 countries throughout Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. HPH also owns a number of transportation-related service companies. In 2006, the HPH Group handled a combined throughput of 59.3 million TEU worldwide.
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